setting

[ set-ing ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that sets.
2. the surroundings or environment of anything:

   The garden was a perfect setting for the house.

3. the mounting in which a jewel is set.
4. a group of all the articles, as of china, silver, or glass, required for setting a table or a single place at a table.
5. the locale or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc., takes place:

   The setting of this story is Verona in the 15th century.

6. Also called stage setting, the scenery and other properties used in a dramatic performance.
7. Music.
   1. a piece of music composed for certain words.
   2. a piece of music composed for a particular medium, or arranged for other than the original medium.

setting

/ ˈsɛtɪŋ /

noun

1. the surroundings in which something is set; scene
2. the scenery, properties, or background, used to create the location for a stage play, film, etc
3. music a composition consisting of a certain text and music provided or arranged for it
4. the metal mounting and surround of a gem

   diamonds in an antique gold setting

5. the tableware, cutlery, etc, for a single place at table
6. any of a series of points on a scale or dial that can be selected to control the level as of temperature, speed, etc, at which a machine functions
7. a clutch of eggs in a bird's nest, esp a clutch of hen's eggs

Other Words From

• non·setting adjective
• un·setting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of setting¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English; set, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See environment.

Example Sentences

This contrasts with the Western nuclear family model, where learning is often centered around parents or teachers in a formalized school setting.

From Science Daily

The mayor said: "We will be publishing our budget in due course and setting out confirmation that this policy will carry on next year."

From BBC

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, setting out new conditions under which the country would consider using its arsenal.

From BBC

After missing the playoffs for a franchise-worst fourth consecutive season and setting records for defeats, the team fired coach Curt Miller and promised better results.

From Los Angeles Times

Since it is not a legal term, cities have taken a variety of approaches to becoming "sanctuaries", such as setting policies in laws or simply changing local policing practices.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambience
• backdrop
• context
• environment
• framework
• locale
• location
• site
• surroundings